CS/CS/HB 1183 Summary

• Requires mental health facilities to initiate involuntary examinations of minors within 12 hours of arrival, rather than anytime within the standard 72-hour examination period.

• Clarifies that the 72-hour examination period for patients evaluated at hospitals for emergency medical conditions begins upon arrival and ends when the attending physician documents the patient has an emergency medical condition.

• Creates a task force within the Department of Children and Families to analyze involuntary examination data for children age 17 and younger, research trends, evaluate expedited examination options, and recommend alternatives to inappropriate examinations.

• Task force includes representatives from education, public defense, law enforcement, mental health organizations, and one family member of a minor subject to involuntary examination; chaired by the Secretary of Children and Families or designee.

• Task force must submit findings report to the Governor and Legislature by December 1, 2017, and expires March 31, 2018; bill takes effect July 1, 2017.